Clip anchor connector

ABSTRACT

A system for attaching a facing product to a concrete substrate includes (a) a facing product having a front face and a back surface, the facing product being configured for attachment with a clip connector; and (b) at least one clip anchor connector having an anchoring portion for embedding in the concrete substrate, a spine, and a head portion configured and dimensioned to engage a convexity, recess or opening in the facing product. The spine is longitudinal and has a first end and opposite thereto a second end. The anchoring portion of the clip is positioned at one of said first and second ends. The engagement portion is positioned at the end of the spine opposite that of the anchoring portion and has at least one laterally extending wing configured to engage a convexity, recess or opening in the facing product member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/579,021 filed Dec. 22, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to clip anchor connectors for building construction.

2. Background of the Art

Many buildings have a basic structure of brick, blocks or concrete sheathed by panels or some form of facing product that can make them look more attractive, as well as adding to the insulation and weather proofing. However, the attachment of such facing product needs to be secure and long-standing.

Typically, facing product can include terra cotta, clay, ceramic or glass fiber reinforced cement elements. Up until today the facing product elements were attached to concrete precast or glass fiber reinforced concrete (“GFRC”) precast by using adhesive or by pouring concrete on the back of the elements and allowing the concrete to cure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art system is shown wherein terra cotta tiles T are attached to a concrete wall C by a layer of mortar M.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the mounting system of the invention; and,

FIG. 3 illustrates in front view a clip anchor of the invention in conjunction with a facing product;

FIGS. 3A to 3F are side views which illustrate various versions of the clip anchor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 illustrates in front view an alternative embodiment of the clip anchor of the invention in conjunction with a facing product;

FIGS. 4A to 4F are side views which illustrate various versions of the clip anchor of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates in front view an alternative embodiment of the clip anchor of the invention in conjunction with a facing product;

FIGS. 5A to 5F are side views which illustrate various versions of the clip anchor of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates in front view an alternative embodiment of the clip anchor of the invention in conjunction with a facing product;

FIGS. 6A to 6F are side views which illustrate various versions of the clip anchor of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates in front view an alternative embodiment of the clip anchor of the invention in conjunction with a facing product;

FIGS. 7A to 7F are side views which illustrate various versions of the clip anchor of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates in front view an alternative embodiment of the clip anchor of the invention in conjunction with a facing product;

FIGS. 8A to 8F are side views which illustrate various versions of the clip anchor of FIG. 8.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for attaching a facing product to a concrete substrate comprising a facing product having a front face and a back surface, the facing product being configured with at least one convexity, recess or opening adapted to receive a clip anchor connector; and at least one clip anchor connector having an anchoring portion for embedding in the concrete substrate, a spine, and an engagement portion configured and dimensioned to engage the convexity, recess or opening in the facing product. The spine is longitudinal and has a first end and opposite thereto a second end. The anchoring portion of the clip is shaped so as to be fixedly embedded in the concrete substrate and prevent separation of the clip connector therefrom, and is positioned at one of said first and second ends. The engagement portion is positioned at the end of the spine opposite that of the anchoring portion and has at least one, and preferably two laterally extending wings configured to engage a convexity, recess or opening in the facing product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The purpose of this invention is to provide a better and safer precast/GFRC facing product system by using a clip anchor connector in which on one side holds in place the terra cotta/clay/ceramic/glass fiber reinforced cement facing product element and on the other side act as an anchor into the concrete/precast.

The clip anchor connector can be made from break metal or extruded metal or any other material. It can be inserted from the end of the terra cotta, clay, ceramic, or glass reinforced cement facing product elements, or it can be inserted at the middle and turned 90 degrees to be set at the final location.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a construction mounting system for anchoring a facing product 102 to a concrete substrate 101 is shown. A clip 110 is affixed to the facing product 102 and has a Y-shaped base which is embedded in the concrete substrate 101.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a clip anchor connector 110 is shown attached to a terra cotta tile 102. The tile 102 has a front surface 102 a and a back surface 102 b. The back surface includes a plurality of convexities 104 spaced apart by recesses 108. The convexities 104 each include a flat surface 104 a, sloped opposite sides 104 b, and ledges 104 c. The flat surface 104 a has a width which is narrower than the width of the convexity at the ledge portion 104 c.

The clip anchor connector 110 includes a longitudinal, vertical (as shown) spine 111 having first and second opposite end portions. At one end portion a Y-shaped anchor portion 112 is configured to have two legs 112 a and 112 b angularly extending from the end of the spine 111. The anchor portion 112 is adapted to be embedded in a concrete wall. At the other end of the spine portion 111 an engagement portion includes two laterally and oppositely extending wings 113 each having a horizontal (as shown) portion 114, an angled portion 116 and a hook portion 118, wherein the horizontal portion 114 and angled portion 116 are connected at bend 115, and the angled portion and the hook 118 are connected at bend 117. The wings 113 are configured to engage convexity 104 such that horizontal portion 114 of the clip abuts flat surface 104 a, angled portions 116 abut respective sloped sides 104 b, and the hook portions 118 engage ledges 104 c so as to inhibit disengagement of the clip anchor connector from the tile 102.

The clip anchor connector 110, as well as the embodiments of the clip anchor connectors described below, is preferably fabricated as a single piece member from a suitable metal (e.g., ferrous or non ferrous metals such as stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, etc.). Optionally, the single piece metal can be a resilient metal strip of spring steel which is folded upon itself to provide the configuration shown in the drawings so that it can be laterally expanded to facilitate engagement of the wings 113 with the convexity 104. Alternatively, the convexities can be linearly configured and the clip anchor connector 110 can be slid onto the convexity at the edge of the tile and linearly moved to a desired location along the convexity.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3F, embodiment 110 a includes a spine 111 and wing structure 113 similar to embodiment 110. However the anchor portion 112-1 includes a laterally extending leg which provides a generally L-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 110 b includes a spine 111 and wing structure 113 similar to embodiment 110. However the anchor portion 112-2 includes two laterally extending legs which provide a generally T-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 110 c includes a spine 111 and wing structure 113 similar to embodiment 110. However the anchor portion 112-3 includes two angled legs which provide a generally V-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 110 d includes a spine 111 and wing structure 113 similar to embodiment 110. However the anchor portion 112-4 includes an incompletely closed circular portion which provide a generally hook-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 110 e includes a spine 111 and wing structure 113 similar to embodiment 110. However the anchor portion 112-5 includes a semicircular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 110 f includes a spine 111 and wing structure 113 similar to embodiment 110. However the anchor portion 112-6 includes a circular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a clip anchor connector 120 is shown attached to a terra cotta tile 102. The tile 102 has a front surface 102 a and a back surface 102 b. The back surface includes a plurality of convexities 105 spaced apart by recesses 108. The convexities 105 each include a flat surface 105 a, and sloped opposite sides 105 b. Unlike the embodiment of the tile 102 shown in FIG. 3, the flat surface 105 a has a width which is wider than the width of the convexity at the upper portion (as shown).

The clip anchor connector 120 includes a longitudinal, vertical (as shown) spine 121 having first and second opposite end portions, At one end portion a Y-shaped anchor portion 122 is configured to have two legs 122 a and 122 b angularly extending from the end of the spine 121. The anchor portion 122 is adapted to be embedded in a concrete wall. At the other end of the spine portion 121 an engagement portion includes two laterally and oppositely extending wings 123 each having a horizontal (as shown) portion 124, and an angled portion 126, wherein the horizontal portion 124 and angled portion 126 are connected at bend 125. The wings 123 are configured to engage convexity 105 such that horizontal portion 124 of the clip abuts flat surface 105 a, angled portions 126 abut respective sloped sides 105 b so as to inhibit disengagement of the clip anchor connector from the tile 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 4F, embodiment 120 a includes a spine 121 and wing structure 123 similar to embodiment 120. However the anchor portion 122-1 includes a laterally extending leg which provides a generally L-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 120 b includes a spine 121 and wing structure 123 similar to embodiment 120. However the anchor portion 122-2 includes two laterally extending legs which provide a generally T-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 120 c includes a spine 121 and wing structure 123 similar to embodiment 120. However the anchor portion 122-3 includes two angled legs which provide a generally V-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 120 d includes a spine 121 and wing structure 123 similar to embodiment 120. However the anchor portion 122-4 includes an incompletely closed circular portion, which provides a generally hook-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 120 e includes a spine 121 and wing structure 123 similar to embodiment 120. However the anchor portion 122-5 includes a semicircular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 120 f includes a spine 121 and wing structure 123 similar to embodiment 120. However the anchor portion 122-6 includes a circular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a clip anchor connector 130 is shown attached to a terra cotta tile 102. The tile 102 has a front surface 102 a and a back surface 102 b. The back surface 102 b includes a plurality of convexities 105 spaced apart by recesses 108. The recesses 108 each include a mouth portion 108 a and a back portion 108 b which is wider than the mouth portion. The convexities 105 each include a flat surface 105 a, and sloped opposite sides 105 b. The flat surface 105 a has a width which is wider than the width of the convexity at the upper portion (as shown).

The clip anchor connector 130 includes a longitudinal, vertical (as shown) spine 131 having first and second opposite end portions. At one end portion a Y-shaped anchor portion 132 is configured to have two legs 132 a and 132 b angularly extending from the end of the spine 131. The anchor portion 132 is adapted to be embedded in a concrete wall. At the other end of the spine portion 131 an engagement portion includes two laterally and oppositely extending wings 133. The wings 133 are configured to engage recess 108 in the vicinity of the back portion 108 b. However, the width of the engagement portion of laterally extending wings 133 exceeds the width of the mouth portion 108 a of the recess so as to inhibit disengagement of the clip anchor connector 130 from the tile 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A to 5F, embodiment 130 a includes a spine 131 and wing structure 133 similar to embodiment 130. However the anchor portion 132-1 includes a laterally extending leg which provides a generally L-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 130 b includes a spine 131 and wing structure 133 similar to embodiment 130. However the anchor portion 132-2 includes two laterally extending legs which provide a generally T-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 130 c includes a spine 131 and wing structure 133 similar to embodiment 130. However the anchor portion 132-3 includes two angled legs, which provide a generally V-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 120 d includes a spine 131 and wing structure 133 similar to embodiment 130. However the anchor portion 132-4 includes an incompletely closed circular portion, which provides a generally hook-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 130 e includes a spine 131 and wing structure 133 similar to embodiment 130. However the anchor portion 132-5 includes a semicircular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 130 f includes a spine 131 and wing structure 133 similar to embodiment 130. However the anchor portion 132-6 includes a circular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a clip anchor connector 140 is shown attached to a terra cotta tile 102. The tile 102 has a front surface 102 a and a back surface 102 b. The back surface 102 b includes a plurality of convexities 106 spaced apart by recesses 108. The convexities 106 each include a flat surface 106 a, opposite vertical (as shown) sides 106 b, and horizontal (as shown) ledges 106 c. The flat surface 106 a has a width which is greater than the width of the convexity at the ledge portion 106 c.

The clip anchor connector 140 includes a longitudinal, vertical (as shown) spine 141 having first and second opposite end portions. At one end portion a Y-shaped anchor portion 142 is configured to have two legs 142 a and 142 b angularly extending from the end of the spine 141. The anchor portion 142 is adapted to be embedded in a concrete wall. At the other end of the spine portion 141 an engagement portion includes two laterally and oppositely extending wings 143 each having a horizontal (as shown) portion 144, a vertical (as shown) portion 146 and a hook portion 148, wherein the horizontal portion 144 and angled portion 146 are connected at right angle bend 145, and the vertical portion and the hook portion 148 are connected at right angle bend 147. The wings 143 are configured to engage convexity 106 such that horizontal portion 144 of the clip abuts flat surface 106 a, angled portions 166 abut respective sides 106 b, and the hook portions 148 engage ledges 106 c so as to inhibit disengagement of the clip anchor connector 140 from the tile 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A to 6F, embodiment 140 a includes a spine 141 and wing structure 143 similar to embodiment 140. However the anchor portion 142-1 includes a laterally extending leg, which provides a generally L-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 140 b includes a spine 141 and wing structure 143 similar to embodiment 140. However the anchor portion 142-2 includes two laterally extending legs which provide a generally T-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 140 c includes a spine 141 and wing structure 143 similar to embodiment 140. However the anchor portion 142-3 includes two angled legs, which provide a generally V-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 140 d includes a spine 141 and wing structure 143 similar to embodiment 140. However the anchor portion 142-4 includes an incompletely closed circular portion, which provides a generally hook-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 140 e includes a spine 141 and wing structure 143 similar to embodiment 140. However the anchor portion 142-5 includes a semicircular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 140 f includes a spine 141 and wing structure 143 similar to embodiment 140. However the anchor portion 142-6 includes a circular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a clip anchor connector 150 is shown attached to a terra cotta tile 102. The tile 102 has a front surface 102 a and a back surface 102 b. The back surface 102 b includes a plurality of convexities 107 spaced apart by recesses 109. The recesses 109 each include a mouth portion 109 a and a back portion 109 b which is wider than the mouth portion. The convexities 107 each include a flat surface 107 a, opposite vertical (as shown) sides 107 b and horizontal (as shown) ledges 107 c. The flat surface 107 a has a width, which is greater than the width of the convexity at the ledge portion 106 c. Ledges 107 c preferably each include a dimple 107 d.

The clip anchor connector 150 includes a spine 151 having first and second opposite end portions. At one end portion a Y-shaped anchor portion 152 is configured to have two legs 152 a and 152 b angularly extending from the end of the spine 151. The anchor portion 152 is adapted to be embedded in a concrete wall. The clip anchor connector 150 comprises a single piece strip of metal or plastic, which is folded upon itself to provide the configuration shown in FIG. 7. The spine 151 includes adjacent portions 151 a and 151 b of the strip which are angularly movable between a first position in which strip portion 151 a is adjacent to and abuts strip portion 151 b in linear parallel relationship, and a second position in which strip portion 151 a and 151 b are angularly moved to a V-shaped configuration as shown. In an embodiment the clip 150 is fabricated from a resilient metal or plastic and is biased to the open second position.

Clip 150 further includes a first wing portion including a lateral extension 156 connected to spine portion 151 a at a right angle bend 155 and a hook portion 158 connected to lateral extension 156 at right angle bend 157. A second wing portion includes a member 153 extending substantially laterally in a direction opposite that of lateral extension 156 and connected to spine portion 151 b at bend 154. Bend 154 can optionally be configured at an obtuse angle relative to spine portion 151 b exceeding 90 degrees. Typically, the angle between member 153 and spine portion 151 b can be from about 91 degrees to about 100 degrees.

For a snap-in engagement with the terra cotta tile 102, clip 150 is initially in the configuration shown by the broken line depiction 150′ shown in FIG. 7. The first wing portion of clip 150 is inserted into recess 109 first such that hook portion 158 engages dimple 107 d on the ledge on one side of recess 109. The clip 150 is in the first position with the strip portion 151 a of the spine adjacent to and abutting strip portion 151 b. The clip anchor connector 150 is then pivoted to insert the lateral member 153 into the recess 109. The clip 150 is then allowed to resiliently expand to the second position wherein the lateral member 153 engages the space in the recess above the dimple 107 d on the side of the recess opposite that into which the hook 158 is inserted. In an embodiment the portion 151 a of the spine is longer than portion 151 b of the spine so as to accommodate the length of the hook portion 158.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7F, embodiment 150 a of the clip anchor connector includes an upper structure including spine strip portions 151 a and 151 b similar to that of embodiment 150. However, the anchor portion 152-1 includes a laterally extending leg which provides a generally L-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 150 b includes an upper structure including spine strip portions 151 a and 151 b similar to that of embodiment 150. However, the anchor portion 152-2 includes two laterally extending legs, which provide a generally T-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 150 c includes an upper structure including spine strip portions 151 a and 151 b similar to that of embodiment 150. However the anchor portion 152-3 includes two angled legs which provide a generally V-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 150 d includes an upper structure including spine strip portions 151 a and 151 b similar to that of embodiment 150. However the anchor portion 152-4 includes an incompletely closed circular portion, which provides a generally hook-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 150 e includes an upper structure including spine strip portions 151 a and 151 b similar to that of embodiment 150. However the anchor portion 152-5 includes a semicircular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 150 f includes an upper structure including spine strip portions 151 a and 151 b similar to that of embodiment 150. However the anchor portion 152-6 includes a circular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a clip anchor connector 160 is shown attached to a terra cotta tile 102. The tile 102 has a front surface 102 a and a back surface 102 b. Clip anchor connector 160 includes an upper wing portion 163, which is engaged in an aperture 202 in the tile 102. The upper wing portion 163 includes a hooking mechanism defined by a lateral portion and an angled-in portion. Clip anchor connector 160 further includes a spine portion 161, which terminates in an anchor portion 162.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A to 8F, embodiment 160 a includes a spine 161 and wing structure 163 similar to embodiment 160. However the anchor portion 162-1 includes a laterally extending leg which provides a generally L-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 160 b includes a spine 161 and wing structure 163 similar to embodiment 160. However the anchor portion 162-2 includes two laterally extending legs which provide a generally T-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 160 c includes a spine 161 and wing structure 163 similar to embodiment 160. However the anchor portion 162-3 includes two angled legs, which provide a generally V-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 160 d includes a spine 161 and wing structure 163 similar to embodiment 160. However the anchor portion 162-4 includes an incompletely closed circular portion, which provides a generally hook-shaped structure for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 160 e includes a spine 161 and wing structure 163 similar to embodiment 160. However the anchor portion 162-5 includes a semicircular portion for embedding into the concrete.

Embodiment 160 f includes a spine 161 and wing structure 163 similar to embodiment 160. However the anchor portion 162-6 includes a circular portion for embedding into the concrete.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clip anchor connector comprising: a) a longitudinal spine having a first end and opposite thereto a second end, b) an anchoring portion at one of said first and second ends, the anchoring portion being configured to entrap the clip anchor connector in a concrete substrate c) an engagement portion at the other of said first and second ends, said engagement portion having at least one laterally extending wing configured to engage a convexity, recess or opening in a facing product member.
 2. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the clip anchor connector is fabricated as an integral single piece member of resilient metal or plastic.
 3. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the engagement portion includes two oppositely extending lateral wings, each wing including a horizontal first portion and a second portion attached to the horizontal first portion at a first bend.
 4. The clip anchor connector of claim 3 wherein the engagement portion further includes a hook portion connected to the second portion at a second bend.
 5. The clip anchor connector of claim 3 wherein the first bend is at an acute angle.
 6. The clip anchor connector of claim 3 wherein the first bend is at an obtuse angle.
 7. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the first bend is at a right angle.
 8. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the head portion is T-shaped.
 9. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the anchoring portion is Y-shaped.
 10. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the anchoring portion is L-shaped.
 11. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the anchoring portion is T-shaped.
 12. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the anchoring portion is V-shaped.
 13. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the anchoring portion is at least partially circular in shape.
 14. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the spine includes first and second spine portions movable between a resiliently biased first position wherein the first and second spine portions are at an angled V-shaped configuration, and a second position wherein the first and second spine portions are in a parallel configuration in an adjacent abutting relationship.
 15. The clip anchor connector of claim 1 wherein the engagement portion comprises a lateral wing portion and an angled-in hook portion connected to the lateral wing portion.
 16. A system for attaching a facing product to a concrete substrate comprising: a) a clip anchor connector comprising: i) a longitudinal spine having a first end and opposite thereto a second end, ii) an anchoring portion at one of said first and second ends, the anchoring portion being configured to entrap the clip anchor connector in a concrete substrate, and iii) an engagement portion at the other of said first and second ends, said engagement portion having at least one laterally extending wing configured to engage a convexity, recess or opening in a facing product member; and, b) a facing product member having a front face and a back surface, the facing product member being configured with at least one convexity, recess or opening adapted to receive the engagement portion of the clip anchor connector.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the facing product comprises terra cotta, clay, ceramic or glass fiber reinforced cement elements.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein the engagement portion of the clip anchor includes two oppositely extending lateral wings, each wing including a horizontal first portion and a second portion attached to the horizontal first portion at a first bend.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein engagement portion further includes a hook portion connected to the second portion at a second bend.
 20. The system of claim 16 wherein the anchoring portion is Y-shaped, L shaped, T-shaped or V shaped. 